Sweet Pea 'Gwawr Cymru'

At a Glance

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus
• Classification: Spencer
• Petal Pattern: Picotee / Bicolour
• Color Profile: Cream with a pink edge
• Fragrance: Moderate (
• Breeder: Harrod / Parsons
• Year Introduced: 2020 (first cataloged in 2019-2020)
• Flowering Type: Summer-Flowering
• Also Known As: Welsh Dawn

Overview

'Gwawr Cymru' (also known as 'Welsh Dawn') is a beautifully delicate, contemporary addition to the summer-flowering Spencer class. This exquisitely patterned variety features elegantly ruffled blooms that display a pale cream ground, perfectly accented by a soft pink edge. Possessing the wonderful, waved petal structure that exhibition Spencers are famous for, along with a pleasing moderate fragrance, this sweet pea is a highly reliable and romantic choice for both garden borders and pastel cut flower arrangements.

Growth Habit

Exhibiting the standard robust vigor of modern Spencer varieties, 'Gwawr Cymru' is a tall-climbing vine. It requires a sturdy vertical support system, such as a tall trellis, netting, or bamboo teepees, to ascend properly toward the sun throughout its summer growing season.

Cultivation Notes

To coax the most spectacular, heavily frilled blooms from this vine, plant it in a sunny location with deeply enriched, well-draining soil. Because of its tall climbing habit, the stems should be tied in regularly to ensure the plant remains secure against the wind. Consistent harvesting and the diligent removal of faded blossoms are absolutely essential to prevent the plant from setting seed, thereby guaranteeing a continuous, uninterrupted flush of delicate cream and pink flowers all summer long.

Historical Notes

This wonderfully subtle cultivar is a very recent introduction to the sweet pea world. It was collaboratively raised by the breeders Harrod and Roger Parsons, officially entering the botanical registry and commerce in 2020 after making its initial debut in the Parsons 2019-2020 catalogue.

In the Garden

Grown For: Soft, romantic cut flower arrangements, exhibition showing, and adding a delicate, pastel picotee accent to summer borders.

Companion Planting

To enhance its beautiful cream and pink tones, pair it with soft, delicate pastel varieties or echo its base color with solid creams like 'Clotted Cream'. Alternatively, planting it alongside a deeply saturated variety like 'Almost Black' or 'Dark Passion' will create a highly sophisticated, dramatic contrast.